Wednesday, June 11, 2008

HHSAA / HIADA Voting Issues

I just recently posted my corner article for HawaiiSportsPage.com on the voting problems that continue to set us back in the HHSAA.

I don't want to give all of it away (of course, I want you to go there and read it), but I did want to mention an idea that may better solve the problems that we are facing here.

We need to have one or thw other. The HHSAA is proving the HIADA worthless when they vote down the resolutions that are discussed and voted on by the athletic directors, yet the HIADA process seems to be the better suited process to make decisions that are less about league agenda and more about benefiting the individual schools and, eventually, the athletes.

Do you have a different idea on how you would like to see decisions made? Leave your comments here and we will discuss...

Also, if you have a blog, leave a link to it. If I like it, I'll add it to our "Bloglist" on the right hand side of the page!

Monday, June 9, 2008

Jr. Griff hits No. 600

It's great to see Ken Griffey Jr hit number 600. It's one of the few recent home run chases that have been nice to watch and track.

Ken Griffey Jr. is one of the few elder statesmen (yes, we can call him that) that still enjoys having fun at the ball park. Yes, he is still battling injury, and not seeing much playing time. But, he isn't barking and complaining, he's embracing the youth movement in Cincinnati.

He's also not part of the "Steroids problem" in sports. Griffey is as clean as a whistle, and if not for various injuries in the middle of his career, Griffey would probably be right around 700 at this point in time.

Lastly, I'll remember Ken Griffey for another great feat. When he was back in Seattle, he and his father homered in the same game, which was the first time it had happened in Major League Baseball. It's seemed like Griff has embraced his father's career, and just continued on the great play and sportsmanship that Senior posessed.

The injuries will be looked at as a big minus for Ken Griffey when he retires and thinks about the Hall, but when you hit 600 home runs, and have a chance to hit another 40-50, Griffey has struck himself a nice case.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

NBA Finals Game 2: Fourth Quarter Thoughts

The Lakers are off to a promising start. I like the fact that Kobe has found Ronny Turiaf for a few shots at the rim, but eventually, with the game still at double digits, Bryant needs to start taking some shots and drawing contact. The Celtics are still in a little foul trouble, and the Lakers right now have not exposed that fact.

I'm starting to get around to the way Rajon Rondo is playing. I didn't like his lack of agressiveness early on, but with the fact that he has 15 assists to this point, I'm starting to like it.

Right off a timeout, poor defense by the LA Lakers. Inbounds pass goes into Leon Powe, and he goes coast to coast for a flush. Embarassing defense.

Great to hear the crowd chanting Leon Powe's name. He deserves it. This is the best night of his NBA career.

Important last six minutes or so of the game. If I'm Phil Jackson, I'm thinking this game is out of reach, but I absolutely want momentum going into game three. My players need to make sure they are leaving everything out on the floor now to set some kinda of a standard going back home.

The Lakers have cut it down to 13 thanks to some important three pointers. With under four minutes to go, I still don't see the game in doubt, but it is definitely a promising finish for the Lakers. Good to see Fisher knock one down.

And just as I write that, out of the quick Celtics timeout, James Posey hits a three to bring it back up to 16.

Radmanovic cleans up a Bryant miss, and then after a Posey no-go, Bryant hits a three of his own to make this one a little interesting. Jeff Van Gundy notes it is a 21-7 run for the Lakers to cut the Celtic lead to 11.

Maybe I should just not say the game is out of reach. The Laker defense is shutting down a currently-dismal Celtic defense. Two straight steals, a Vujacic three, and a Radmonivic dunk, cut this one down to four. BTW, Radmonovic CLEARLY took an extra step. Where are you referees? Pay attention!

A couple of Bryant free throws cuts this one to two, but a foul on the Lakers sends Paul Pierce to the fres throw line, where he hits two to make it a four point lead with 22 seconds left. What will Phil Jackson draw up in this timeout?

Bad play by Vlad Radmonovic. He has it at the top of the circle and instead of getting the ball to Kobe Bryant, he goes the opposite way and finds a covered Sasha Vujacic who gets his shot blocked by Paul Pierce. QUESTIONABLE to say the least. The Celtics get a couple free throws to seal the deal.

Boston 108 - LA Lakers 102.

Important win for Boston to hang on to home court advantage by winning a couple at home. The Lakers have to have confidence, however, that they could cut a 24 point defecit to two in about 7 minutes.

In my opinion, the Lakers need to win ALL THREE in LA on Tuesday, Thursday, and next Sunday, because of the Boston Home sweep. It's tough to win three in a row in the playoffs, but if the Lakers want to prove they are a great team, it's time to come together and be on the same page.

NBA Finals Game 3: Third Quarter Thoughts

Allow me to state the obvious. With the Celtics up 12 going into the start of the second half, it was imperative that the Lakers start the third quarter with some emotion and fire.

I didn't mean a technical foul when I meant emotion and fire.

Kobe Bryant had some words for one of the officials after making a basket. He wanted a foul. Looking at the replays, there was definitely no contact.

If there is anyone right now for the Lakers in need of getting their game together, it is Kobe. Missing shots, playing frustrated, and being on the bench a lot more than he would like due to foul trouble. And, he isn't getting to the free throw line. Right now, he's only been there once, and that was on the KG Technical back in the 1st.

Foul trouble is becoming an issue now for the Boston Celtics. Three guys, including Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, have three fouls, and Kendrick Perkins has four. Part of that is due to their very agressive defense, but now is not the time to let up on the throttle.

With 1:20 to go, this game may soon be out of reach if the Lakers don't start to shape up. The Lakers trail by 20. Bryant is starting to get his points, but he is whining just as much. Vladimir Radmonovic's play is putting the Lakers behind the eight ball. The bench and role players right now are absolutely ABSENT.

It's a complete 360 from the last Lakers time out, where Kobe Bryant was extremely vocal towards his teamates. Maybe he is starting to throw them under the bus?

Interesting with the game starting to get out of reach, Kobe Bryant is sitting. Questionable coaching move by Phil Jackson.

I think we just saw the play of the game with two of the key players to end the third quarter. Rajon Rondo fakes the behind the back pass while driving to the rim, then gets a bounce pass to a cutting Leon Powe for a flush. Right now, LEON POWE is the player of the game.

Boston 83 - LA Lakers 61

NBA Finals Game 2: Second Quarter Thoughts

Boston has gotten off to a great start here in the second, with ten straight points before a Phil Jackson time out. When you have a mix of starters and bench players going up against the entire second team for the Lakers, you better take advantage if you are the Celtics, and they indeed have.

Why did the Lakers have a second team 5 to start the quarter? When three of your starting five guys, including Odom and Bryant, are in foul trouble, you have no choice. But once again, the bench doesn't show. Poor offensive play was a big help.

Let's give credit to Leon Powe for the Celtics. I like his agreesiveness, drawing contact and getting to the free throw line. He's a big spark off the bench for Boston so far.

I wanted to go back to something that Jeff Van Gundy said back in the first quarter. He said that there should be a rule change on fouls, either having 7 fouls as the limit, or having no fouling out at all, because it penalizes players, including some of the best players in the game.

I disagree. If you can't play clean and can't play within the rules, you shouldn't be on the floor.

Paul Pierce doesn't even look like he has a knee problem. But, at the same time, he is getting most of his points from beyond the ark, as he is 3-3 from 3-point land, and 12 points at this point. He's just spotting up, taking his time, and knocking in his shot.

Kobe is taking the last 1:53 off of the second quarter. 9 points, but 3 fouls. The Lakers at this point need to get on a big run, and it will be interesting to see who decides to fill Kobe's leadership shoes on the floor.

Answer: No One. Two points in the final 1:53 since Kobe left. That was from Gasol. Bad shots, tough misses, and no one crashing the defensive glass, and the Celtics close out the first half well.

Boston 54 - L.A. Lakers 42

NBA Finals Game 2: First Quarter Thoughts

Coming in down 1-0 in the series, it would naturally be important for the Lakers to come out to a great start here in Game 2, but they did that in Game 1, the most important thing is how they do in the second half.

Lakers are off to a decent start, Gasol and Bryant are being agressive and getting their opportunities. They are a little slow right now on the fast break defense, however. And their bench has disappointed so far, as Ariza and Walton haven't played well on entry.

The Celtics are looking a little slow to start. A lot of turnovers, and a lot of confusion on offense. And, KG looks a little out of his element to start. Got beat by Gasol on a dunk defensively, and then was called for a moving screen and a subsequent technical foul. I'm surprised by his start.

Rajon Rondo is a little to passive on the offensive end. He's passed up some open shots, to the ire of the crowd in Boston. This tells me that he is not confident in his offensive game, and it needs to change as the game progresses, as the offense starts with him running the show.

A couple of fouls by Kobe Bryant within a span of a minute 2/3rds of the way thru the first. The second one was an offensive foul elobw to Ray Allen. I disagree with the guys on the ABC telecast. You shouldn't have to throw an elbow to get free on the offensive end. If you do, you should be charged with a foul. Simple as that.

22-20 Lakers after one, as Jordan Farmar hit a 3-pointer with under 4 ticks to go.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Manny being Manny is getting old

We all have probably seen the reports of the tumultuous game on Thursday between the Rays and Red Sox which saw two different sets of fights, one involving both teams on the field, and the other between Manny Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis in the Sox clubhouse. ESPNdeportes.com's Enrique Rojas said on the story:

Ramirez pointed at Youkilis before being escorted down the runway at Fenway Park toward the clubhouse by trainer Paul Lessard and a few other players. Later in the game, NESN, the team's broadcast network, showed grainy footage of Ramirez apparently taking a swipe at Youkilis.

A Red Sox source told ESPNdeportes.com that the cause of the dugout disagreement was Youkilis' temper following a poor at-bat.


Yes, you read it. Over a poor at bat. It's like a child crying over spilled milk. It's insane.

I have no problem with a player who gets frustrated after having a bad at-bat. You know what that shows me? He's a winner. He's a perfectionist. Why should you have a problem with that? He wants to produce for your team each and every time he is at the plate. To me, the attitude that you can always get better is encouraged, even if that means a little frustration. He's giving himself a chip on his shoulder.

And, you know what? It's working. Coming into this post, he is hitting .306 with 9 home runs and 36 RBI's. You don't think the attitude isn't working for him?

And, the Red Sox players feel he is being selfish in showing his frustration. That couldn't be farther from the truth. And, with Youkilis being upset after another bad at bat, Manny decided to take it into his own hands, and that is where the problem lies.

Manny is not the captain. Let your captain, Jason Varitek, handle the situation if you have a problem. Don't start causing problems and making the situation worse. There is always a right way and wrong way to handle things.

Thanks to Jooce.com, here's the other fight everyone is talking about between the Rays and Red Sox.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

MLB Draft brings big choice for High School stars

With the MLB Draft underway today and running until the end of the 50th round tomorrow, the honor of being selected by a professional club to be one of their future stars comes with a big decision, mainly for those right out of high school.

Two Kamehameha-Hawaii players are widely considered for the draft this year, including Kolten Wong, who many people believe may go around the 10th round, and Blake Amaral. These are two of many different high school players around the country who are being selected in the entry level draft.

While it is a no-brainer that the Number One overall pick, SS Tim Beckham of Griffin, GA, a graduating high school senior, will take the offer of being the number one pick and go to the farm system in the Rays Organization, other high schoolers picked in the lower rounds won't have that easy of a choice.

Many of these high schoolers have already committed to play collgeiate baseball. he big question is whether these players want to sacrifice two things:

1) Quality Education

2) The natural graduation from high school - college - professional is natural and more progressive.

In the end, the choice is up to the kids, or should I say, the young adults, and what is best for them, Hopefully, they make the right choice.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

John Smoltz, Hall of Famer?

210 Wins, 154 Saves, 8 Strikeouts per 9 Innings, 3.26 ERA.

That appears to be the final line for John Smoltz, who will undergo season ending shoulder surgery on his bum right shoulder. The amount of saves almost stands out, especially because he isn't a closer. He only was in that role coming back from injury.

Compare that to Dennis Eckersley, a current Hall of Famer, who has seen time as both a starter and a reliever:

197 Wins, 390 Saves, 3.50 ERA, 6.6 K per 9 innings.

The thing with John Smoltz that will help him stand out is that he played his entire career with the Atlanta Braves. Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux will always be remembered for their time in Atlanta, but John Smoltz stayed, despite the other two leaving.

Let's not also forget that Smoltz has over 3,000 strikeouts. Smoltz is a sure-fire first ballot hall of famer.

Smoltz' career may not be over, however. He might try to play professionally on the PGA / Champions Tour. But, just as a fan of the game of baseball, I hope Smoltz can come back for one more year, just to leave the game on top.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Chad Johnson. Headcase.

Earlier today on the Josh Pacheco Show, we talked about Chad Johnson and how he said he will be coming back to Bengals training camp to be with the team and work out. After I got off the air, Chad spoke on his satellite radio show (another reason why satellite radio sucks, people who don't know how to do radio end up being on "radio") and said he still wants to be traded away from Cincinnati.

MAKE UP YOUR MIND!

Chad knows what he is doing, though. He's trying to maximize his monetary value. If he doesn't report to Cincinnati, we know they aren't going to trade him, but not playing this year means his value decreases. Being there shows he is going to play, look out for himself, pad his stats, and look for another team next year with his value intact.

It is unfortunate that we look at a player like Johnson and see an act like his in a negative light. Before, someone going to camp meant a reconciliatory gesture. NOW, it means an act of posturing.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Pacman's Back....well, sort of

John Clayton of ESPN.com reports today that Pacman Jones is back in the NFL, kinda. Pacman is allowed to practice with his teamates, play preseason games, and perform in organized team activities. But, let's stop short of the word reinstatement.

A final determination will be made by Sept. 1. Jones will have to be on perfect behavior in order to be eligible for the 2008 season.


What's the deal with the commish? Why are we continuing to set limits on Pacman? Last I checked, and I've said this numerous times on the air, Pacman hasn't done anything to show me that he deseves another suspension. He's stayed free of the law. The only questionable things he has done is go to a strip club, which almost every guy is guilty of, and take almost 3/4 of a year to pay a gambling debt, which is common among gamblers in america. Not suspensionable to me.

September 1st, by the way, is three days before the Thursday night regular season opener, and six days before the matchup in Cleveland against the "let's exchange our draft picks with Dallas" Browns. Hopefully, a decision is made long before then.

And, if you are a Giants, Eagles, or Redskins fan, you are hoping Jones is reinstated so your offensive players can do this:



Thanks to panthersinthepros